Top Four Ultrabooks

If you're looking for a svelte and sleek laptop that offers an ultra-thin form factor and light weight, then you should look no further than the latest ultrabooks. Many of the latest offerings are following in the footsteps of the MacBook Air in how thin and light they can get their machines. However, these ultrabooks still pack a performance punch. Some of these ultrabooks may even be available with discounts from a Newegg coupon code.

Asus Zenbook UX31A

For $1,499.00, the ASUS Zenbook Prime UX31A offers sleek looks and an excellent 1920x1080 1080p IPS screen that gives the MacBook Air a run for its money. The UX31A also offers an adjustable backlit keyboard, giving users the ability to type in confidence in dark places. Within the chassis is a powerful 1.9-GHz Intel Core i7-3517U processor with integrated Intel HD graphics, 4GB of RAM and a 250GB SSD. The UX31A also offers the impressive Bang & Olufsen ICEPower speaker setup.

Pros:

•   High-quality display with bright and sharp colors
•   Fast Core i7 processor
•   Excellent Bang & Olufsen speakers

Cons:

•   No full-size HDMI or VGA port
•   Erratic trackpad

HP Folio 13

At $899.00, the HP Folio 13 resides at the lower end of the price spectrum and yet it offers plenty to potential buyers. The 3.2-pound ultrabook comes in a subdued matte silver finish with a brushed aluminum lid. Underneath lies a 1.6-GHz Core i5-2467M processor with Intel HD graphics, 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD. The Folio also comes with a few thoughtful touches, including a soft-touch bottom and fingerprint-resistant surfaces.

Pros:

•   Excellent value
•   Excellent battery life
•   Sturdy design with backlit keyboard

Cons:

•  Screen not as bright as other ultrabooks
•  Heavier than most ultrabooks in its class

Dell XPS 13

Reasonably priced at $999.00, the Dell XPS 13 offers an attractive design and plenty of innovative features. For starters, the bottom of the laptop is made of carbon fiber instead of the usual aluminum. That helps keep the ultrabook relatively cool while saving weight. It also features edge-to-edge Gorilla Glass, giving it a measure of strength and sophistication. The XPS comes with Intel's 1.6-GHz Core i5-2467M processor along with a 128GB SSD, 4GB of RAM and integrated Intel HD graphics.

Pros:

•  Edge-to-edge Gorilla Glass provides durability
•  Attractive overall design
•  Comfortable keyboard

Cons:

•  1366x768 resolution lower than most ultrabooks
•  Lacks a SD card slot
•  Battery life is lower-than-average

Toshiba Portege Z835

Toshiba's latest entry in the ultrabook market is one of the sleekest and lightest of them all. It is also one of the lowest priced ultrabooks at just $829.00. The Toshiba Portege Z835 weighs in at just 2.4 pounds, which makes it lighter than its nearest competitors. It also features a robust magnesium alloy chassis. The Portege's keyboard is also backlit and spill-resistant, making it very convenient to use in a variety of situations. The trackpad is accurate, but the keyboard keys are a bit stiff. Underneath is 1.4-GHz Intel Core i3-2367M processor with integrated Intel HD graphics, 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD.

Pros:

•  Exceptionally long battery life
•  Extremely light weight
•  Accurate touchpad
•  Backlit keyboard

Cons:

•  SSD offers slower-than-normal write speeds
•  Display is not as good as other ultrabooks
•  Stiff keyboard keys

About Author:
Mike Richards is an expert when it comes to laptops, netbooks and other types of computers. A graphic designer by trade, Richards is constantly ahead of the curve when it comes to new trends in computer hardware.